Wednesday, March 31, 2010

a little less overwhelmed...

So, it has been a week since my last post. I have been feeling a bit better than I did last week... mind you, my life still feels overwhelming, but I have been able to gain a better perspective. One thing that definitely helped was visiting Tiger Wings blog. She won my last art giveaway and had such nice things to say about her prize. it made me so happy! I also sold a painting to a wonderful woman in Texas who loves butterflies:-)

I also taught this weekend, which always leaves me feeling energized and connected. I teach a masters level course at Dominican University on Domestic Violence Assessment and Treatment. It is a hard subject matter- but something that I feel passionate about. I used to do work with survivors and their children- and for many years, I also facilitated 52 week batterer's intervention groups mandated through the courts here in the Bay Area. One of my favorite things about teaching is having my students make art. I have always found art to be the best way of reaching people. I would often make the men who struggled to overcome violence use art to get in touch with those emotions that they had stuffed away or just replaced with anger. Anyway, even given some technical difficulties- the class went extremely well.
I also have had a small breakthrough in my little altar! I am hoping to finish it this week and post some pictures. So, things are always in motion.
I painted the painting at the beginning of this post a long time ago- when I was very much struggling and overwhelmed. I was trying to find a place in my career, I was having severe health issues, and I had just dissolved a marriage of ten years. I had a dream that through bruised and torn skin emerged butterflies. Although it was painful, I guess I knew that it would be transformative. I guess it is always in those uncomfortable places where we grow the most. I love so many aspects of my life right now... and they would not have ever happened had I not cried all those tears many years ago.
I am planning another giveaway for this weekend and whenever the sun comes out, I will take some pictures of some new art! Rain rain go away...